The key members of The Replacements were Paul Westerberg. He was the main songwriter and vocalist. His songwriting was a big part of what made the band special. Bob Stinson was also a crucial member, especially in the early days. He brought a lot of the punk - influenced guitar playing to the band. Tommy Stinson, Bob's younger brother, was another important member, especially as the band evolved over time.
In The Replacements, Paul Westerberg was the central creative force. His lyrics were often introspective and his vocal style was very distinctive. Bob Stinson was a wild and energetic guitarist. He added a lot of chaos and energy to their live shows. Tommy Stinson joined the band at a young age and grew into an important bass player. His presence in the band helped with its evolution from a more punk - raw sound to a more polished alternative rock sound. There were also other members who contributed at different times, but these three were the mainstays of The Replacements.